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Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Death of Private Michael Freeman

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 27, 2008) - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:

"On behalf of the Department of National Defence, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Private Michael Freeman, who was killed yesterday when the LAV III vehicle in which he was riding struck an improvised explosive device in the Zharey District in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are also with his three comrades who were injured in the same attack. We wish them a speedy recovery.

These brave men were selflessly serving Canada and working towards a noble goal - the reconstruction of Afghanistan. This UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission is a challenging one which the Government of Canada and the world community are committed to in order to help the people of Afghanistan build a stable society after decades of war.

Private Freeman served his country bravely with pride and dedication. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Private Freeman was from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.